Jeffrey Prince

Jeffrey Earl Prince, 75, of Holland, Michigan passed away on Saturday, December 14th, 2024 in Holland, Michigan.

Jeff was born in East Lansing to Jeanne and Clarence (Larry) Prince on July 16th, 1949. He grew up with two older sisters, Charlene and Jackie, and split his childhood between East Lansing and Macatawa, where his parents owned a cottage. Beginning at the age of two, Jeff’s summers in Macatawa involved idyllic days with friends and family on the shores of Lake Michigan; selling his father’s and uncle’s frozen meat patties out of the back of a three-wheeled truckster with his cousin, Rick Prince; and sailing, also with his cousin Rick. Jeff was an avid and capable sailor, winning regional regattas with Rick on their Olympic-class Flying Dutchman and going to the World Championships in Montreal in 1967.

In 1971, Jeff enlisted in the US Navy as a sonar technician, serving in the Atlantic aboard the USS Semmes. Upon discharge in 1975, he attended and received his BS degree in Computer Science from Michigan State University, where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Jeff’s love of MSU sports began well before attending the university, and as an adult he became a season ticketholder for MSU football. When not in the stands, Jeff could be found watching televised football and basketball games while pacing the living room.

Jeff began his career at IBM as a computer systems engineer in 1979 and spent his entire career with the company until his retirement in 2011. During his time at IBM, he was granted 10 US patents, with his first being his favorite: a computer display terminal that connected to a car to assist mechanics in diagnosing problems. While there he was a mentor to and formed many lasting friendships with his coworkers.

In 1981, Jeff married Lynn, and together they had two children, Jennifer and Jeffrey Douglas (J.D). He was exceptionally devoted to his children and their passions, and also generously supported their organizations. He never missed a swim meet, hockey or water polo game, concert, or play. Frequently he could be found behind the camera recording these events as well. Jeff was the “computer guy” for each one of the swim teams his children participated on, working tirelessly behind the scenes at multi-day competitions to create event reports, marshalling cards, and ribbon labels.

As an enthusiastic cyclist, Jeff participated in organized rides around the state of Michigan, some of them being 100+ miles. Even into his early 70s, Jeff rode 40 miles a day, several days a week. His favorite ride was the DALMAC, a five-day bike tour from East Lansing to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. He completed 18 DALMACs from 1997 to 2018, twice continuing on to Sault Ste Marie, for a total of over 400 miles. He also enjoyed fishing, and he was an annual summer guest at Big Canon Lake Lodge in Northern Ontario with his brothers-in-law Doug Lawrence and Jim Estry. After returning home the first year with a full beard, his family insisted he shave before walking in the door every year thereafter.

Due to Jeff’s many hours of dedication to the craft, the Prince house in Bloomfield Hills was the winner of the neighborhood Christmas lights contest any year in which it was eligible. Additionally, he fully decorated the exterior of his mother’s residence, the “Prince Cottage” in Macatawa.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 43 years, Lynn; daughter Jennifer Prince, her husband Lerone Wilson, and Jeff’s beloved grandson Noah Prince Wilson; son J.D.; our dear exchange student, Carole Flückiger, of Switzerland; sister Jackie Nailler (Bob); sister-in-law Shirley Arrowwood (Bobby); brothers-in-law James Estry (Christy) and Daniel Estry (Barbara); and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, as well as his sister and her husband, Charlene and Douglas Lawrence.

The Prince family would like to extend their gratitude to the staffs at the Evergreen Day Center and Addington Place who were patient, gentle, caring, and soothing with our beloved dad and husband. Finally, words cannot express how grateful we are to our family, friends, and neighbors who offered their prayers, love, support, and many kindnesses as we traveled this journey.

A memorial service will be held at Dykstra Northwood Chapel (295 Douglas Avenue) on December 30th at 11am. Visitation will be held preceding the service, at 10am. There will be a light lunch and time of fellowship after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, lbda.org.